Chapter 19 of 59 · Rudra Samhita - Yuddha Khanda · Overall chapter 189 of 464
Jalandhara Sends a Messenger
Jalandhara sends Rahu to demand Parvati from Shiva as tribute; Shiva's gana-form erupting from his third eye tries to devour the terrified messenger, but Shiva - honouring Rahu's status as a refuge-seeking brahmana - spares him, and instead orders the hungry being to eat its own flesh, which earns it the name and permanent post of Kirtimukha, Shiva's door-guardian.
Vyasa said
Sanatkumara, omniscient Narada went to heaven. After that, what did the king of daityas do? Tell me in great detail.
Sanatkumara replied
Taking leave of the daitya king, Narada went to heaven. Hearing of her beauty, the daitya burned with the fever of desire. Fallen under destiny's sway, Jalandhara's intelligence was destroyed. Deluded, he called the messenger, Simhika's son. He came and saw the ocean's son's mind overcome by desire. Jalandhara spoke to him in clear words.
Jalandhara said
Best of messengers, you see every task through. Simhika's son, wise one, go to Mount Kailasa. A yogi named Shambhu lives there, a matted-haired ascetic with all his limbs smeared with ashes, unattached, master of his senses. Go there as messenger and speak to Shankara the yogi. He is matted-haired and unattached, so you need have no fear in your heart. Yogi, ocean of compassion, what will you do with a jewel among women? You live in the forest served by bhutas, pretas and pishachas. When I am lord of the world, such conduct is not fitting for a yogi. Give me that jewel among women. I am the enjoyer of jewels and have all the excellent jewels of the three worlds. Know that everything in the universe, moving and still, is under my control. I have Indra's jewel among elephants and Ucchaihshrava, the excellent jewel. I took the parijata tree by force. Vidhatri's excellent swan-drawn vimana, jewelled, great, divine and excellent, is now in my courtyard. Svada's Mahapadma and other divine nidhis are with me. Varuna's gold-showering umbrella is in my house. My father's great garland Kinjalkini, made of lotuses that never fade, is now mine. I have Kapati's noose. I brought Mrityu's excellent famous spear by force. The Purifier gave me two divine garments cleansed in fire. Indra among yogis, so all the jewels shine in my possession. Wearer of matted hair, give me the jewel among women that you have.
Sanatkumara said
Hearing this, Rahu's eyes widened in wonder. He went to Ugra's assembly hall and Nandi let him in. Going there, he saw the great lord, the lord of the gods himself. His radiance destroyed the darkness. He dazzled, ashes smeared over his body, bearing all the marks of a great king, resplendent and wonderful. Hara was handsome in every limb, adorned with divine ornaments. His bodily radiance took all pride in his own energy from the messenger Rahu. He bowed and approached Shambhu and stood before him, wishing to speak. When Tryambaka signalled consent, he spoke.
Rahu said
I come as a messenger from the lord of the three worlds, whom daityas and pannagas serve. Jalandhara, son of the ocean, is lord of all the daityas and of the three worlds, leader of all. To the gods this powerful king of the daityas is like the Destroyer. Hear what he says to you, the yogi. Lord, the daitya lord has great divine powers and is lord of every jewel. Vrishadhvaja, hear his order: "You live in cremation grounds and always wear a garland of bones, and you go naked. How can Himalaya's auspicious daughter be your wife? I own every jewel, and she is called a jewel among women. She does not fit one like you who lives on alms. The three worlds are under my rule and I enjoy shares in sacrifices; all the jewels of the three worlds are in my house. We enjoy jewels. You are a yogi, and a naked one. Give me the jewel among women. Subjects must please their king."
Sanatkumara said
When Rahu said this, a terrible being rose from between the trident-wielder's eyebrows with a fierce sound like thunder. His face was like a lion's with a tongue moving in it, his large eyes blazed, his hair stood up and his body was dry. He was like another Nrisimha, gigantic, mighty-armed and fearsome, his thighs like palm trees. He rushed swiftly at Rahu. Seeing that he rushed to devour him, Rahu was gripped by fear, ran quickly outside, but was seized.
Rahu said
Lord of the gods, Mahesha, save me. I have taken refuge in you. You are worshipped by gods and asuras, lord of supreme prosperity. Mahadeva, he is rushing to devour me, a brahmana. Ishana, this being who serves you is very terrible. Lord of the gods, kind to those who take refuge, save me from him. Let him not devour me. I bow to you again and again.
Sanatkumara said
Sage, Mahadeva heard the brahmana. The lord loves the distressed, and he spoke to his own gana.
Mahadeva said
A brahmana is a lord. The messenger Rahu has taken refuge. Supreme among ganas, one who has taken refuge must be protected, not punished.
Sanatkumara said
Full of compassion, Girija's lord said this. Hearing it, the gana at once let go of Rahu the brahmana. Having let Rahu go in the sky, the being went to Shiva and spoke dejectedly.
The being said
Lord of the gods, Mahadeva, compassionate Shankara, kind to those who take refuge, I have let go of my food. Lord, but I am suffering from hunger and cannot bear it. Lord of the gods, what will be my food? Command me.
Sanatkumara said
The great lord heard the being, and, wishing to play and intent on helping his own, replied.
Maheshvara said
If you are hungry and the hunger torments you, eat the flesh of your own hands and feet at once.
Sanatkumara said
At Shiva's word the being ate the flesh of his own hands and feet until only the head remained. Seeing the head alone, Sadashiva was very pleased and, a little startled, spoke to the terrible-looking being.
Shiva said
Great gana, you have done my bidding and are blessed; I am very pleased with you. You will be known as Kirtimukha and will guard my door, a great and very brave gana, a terror to all the wicked, and dear to me. When my people worship me, they will always worship you too. Anyone who does not honour you will not please me.
Sanatkumara said
Delighted with the boon, the being has stood ever since at the lord of the gods' door. When Shiva is worshipped, that gana is worshipped specially, and worship done without honouring him first is wasted.
Retold in our own words from Bibek Debroy's English translation of the Shiva Purana (Penguin Classics). Names, numbers and the order of events follow the source.